Here’s what’s happening in the Rock River Valley this weekend

Friday

Nov 8, 2013 at 12:01 AM

Mmm ... bacon

Bacon-themed dishes and drinks from local restaurants will be served at Bacon Fest from 6 to 9 p.m. today.

The event, which also includes door prizes, a raffle and a cash bar, will be at Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., Rockford. Cost is $35, $25 in advance, $50 for VIP, free for children 12 and younger. For more information: rockfordbaconfest.com/index.html

Pay respect to veterans

Two events this weekend honor veterans:

n The 73rd Annual Veterans Day Dinner will be at 6 p.m. today for social hour, followed by dinner and program at 7 p.m.

It will be at Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort, 700 W. Riverside Blvd., Rockford. Cost is $25. Keynote speaker is retired Colonel John A. P. Gessner. For more information: 815-969-1999

n An American Fanfare!, a patriotic concert to celebrate Veterans Day, will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 675 N. Mulford Road, Rockford. A freewill offering will be taken. The Kishwaukee Valley Concert Band will perform. For more information: 815-494-9804.

Hear Harpist, violinist at Mendelssohn

Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center will host a concert featuring Ann Hobson Pilot, a retired harpist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and Tai Murray, a violinist who has performed at Chicago’s Orchestra Hall and Shanghai’s Concert Hall.

The show will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Mendelssohn Hall, 406 N. Main St., Rockford. Cost is $25, $10 for students to age 25. For more information: 815-964-9713; mendelssohnpac.org.

Tour decked-out holiday house

The Children’s Home + Aid 2013 Holiday Showcase House will be available for touring from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at 2125 Oaklawn Ave., Rockford.

Rooms in the two-story Jesse Barloga-designed 1929 home have been decorated by local designers with festive decor.

Shuttle service will be available from Bethesda Covenant Church, 2101 E. State St. during showcase hours. Cost is $10, $8 in advance. For more information: 815-720-2106; childrenshomeandaid.org/showcase-house.